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Radiocesium Levels in Swedish Moose in Relation to Deposition, Diet, and Age
Author(s) -
Palo R. T.,
Nelin P.,
Nylen T.,
Wickman G.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq1991.00472425002000030031x
Subject(s) - vaccinium myrtillus , zoology , bilberry , vaccinium , hunting season , biology , chemistry , botany , population , medicine , environmental health
During the hunting season in September 1986 in Västerbotten, Sweden, the mean concentration of 137 Cs in muscle tissue of moose [ Alces alces (L.)] was 500 Bq kg −1 (SD = 400) (median = 398) fresh weight in calves, and 300 Bq kg −1 (SD = 250) (median = 253) in adults. In September 1987, the median concentration in calves was 401 Bq kg −1 and 201 Bq kg −1 in adults. In September 1988 the mean concentration of 137 Cs was 1300 Bq kg −1 (SD = 1000) (median = 930) in calves, and 640 Bq kg −1 (SD = 520) (median = 499) in adults. Calves contained about 40% higher activity concentration than adults. A positive correlation between muscle activity and deposition per square meter was evident. Concentration in typical food plants for moose such as bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus L.) peaked at 2000 Bq kg −1 (SD = 1000) in July 1986 but had declined to about 600 Bq kg −1 (SD = 200) by July 1988. However, in birch ( Betula pubescens Ehrh.) the activity concentration did not differ between 1986, 1987 and 1988. Rumen content analyses showed that in 1988, utilization of lingonberry ( Vaccinium vitis‐idaea ) increased while the proportion of willow ( Salix spp.) decreased. No relationship between the proportion of specific plant species in the rumen and flesh activity concentration was noted. An increase in foraging on highly contaminated plant species such as bilberry, aquatic plants and mushrooms in July and August 1988 might explain the rise in concentration in moose in September. Diet selection by animals is an important factor in predicting the uptake of environmental contaminants and the changes in tissue levels of such contaminants with time.